10 Surprising Health Benefits of Rockfish

There are many species of fish named rockfish. For example, ocean perch, black bass, and rock cod are all rockfish. They live on rocky reefs, in kelp forests, and in shallow waters. Rockfish may be red-fleshed or brown-fleshed. Red-fleshed fillets are usually preferred because they have a longer shelf life and are less oily. People not only appreciate the taste of rockfish but they also eat it for its nutritional value. It is an excellent source of protein and full of vitamins and minerals.

Cellular growth and repair

Rockfish is an excellent source of high-quality protein because of the combination of amino acids that it contains. Protein is made up of amino acids which help to build and repair cells. It is important to eat your protein from a “complete” source, which contains all of the essential amino acids to build our blood, bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin. It is also used to make hormones, enzymes, and chemicals. Your digestive enzymes break down the protein into amino acids. These amino acids in the bloodstream then travel throughout the body. Without adequate protein intake, all our bodily functions are affected.

Immune system benefits

Rockfish are high in selenium and vitamin B, which contribute to the health of our immune system. Selenium can prevent a wide range of diseases and help keep our brain sharp and heart healthy. As an antioxidant, it keeps your immune system in good, working order. Without selenium, our bodies are vulnerable to many health problems, such as diabetes, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. Vitamin B6 is essential for the production of white blood cells while Vitamin B12 works together with folate to support immune function. Many vitamins and minerals found in rockfish are critical for optimizing the function of the body and preventing disease.

Weight management

Many people are considered obese today which increases their risk of other diseases as well, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes. Any fish, including rockfish, is a useful part of a weight management diet. Rockfish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit weight management. It also provides vitamin D, which also contributes to weight management. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are believed to burn visceral fat or belly fat which is the most dangerous kind of fat in the body. They increase levels of the hormone glucagon which helps to control body fat. They also release fatty acids from adipose tissue to make fuel for the body.

Cardiovascular benefits

The Department of Health and Human Services says that adults need to consume about 250mg of a combination of DHA and EPA every day. DHA and EPA are omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. When substituting these for the saturated fats found in meat, they have an impactful benefit on your heart health. These unsaturated fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body, which can damage blood vessels and lead to strokes and heart disease. Eating one or two servings a week of fish can lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, blood clotting, and triglycerides. A serving size is about 99 grams (about the size of a deck of cards).

Proper cell and organ function

Rockfish is one of the top dietary sources of potassium. Individuals need about 4,700mg of potassium every day. Potassium has many functions in the body including enhancing muscle strength, metabolism, water balance, electrolytic and nervous system functions. Much of the potassium in the body is concentrated in the muscle cells and helps to maintain regular contraction and relaxation of muscles. As your heart is a muscle, the potassium also helps to keep a steady heartbeat. Potassium can help to ensure that blood pressure stays within normal range and can lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Good bones and teeth

Five ounces of rockfish give you just over half of the phosphorus your body needs. Phosphorus works together with the calcium in your body to build healthy bones and teeth. Almost 85% of the phosphorus in your body is found in your teeth and your bones. It can also help the kidneys get rid of impurities and manage your body’s energy production. People who suffer from osteoporosis may benefit from more phosphorus in their diets. The Vitamin D found in rockfish also helps your bones because vitamin D is needed for your body to absorb calcium.

Neurological benefits

Rockfish gives you nearly all the vitamin B6 and B12 that is recommended in a day. These vitamins generate the myelin required by neurons found in the brain promote healthy nervous system function. Vitamin B6 helps to synthesize a variety of neurotransmitters as well. It has been found that eating fish helps to prevent cognitive decline. Studies have revealed that people who eat fish have more gray matter in the areas of the brain that regulate memory, which is a good sign for long-term brain function. The omega-3 fatty acids found in the fish may even help to prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Rockfish contains more omega-3 fatty acids than a serving of catfish, flounder, red snapper or swordfish.

Relieves depression

Your endocrine system produces hormones that ultimately impact every function of your body. The nutrients in rockfish play a crucial role in the synthesis of these hormones. Vitamin B6, for instance, is needed to make the hormones serotonin, melatonin and norepinephrine. Also, pantothenic acid found in rockfish helps the adrenal glands to produce sex and stress hormones. Depression is currently one of the most significant health problems worldwide. Studies have found that people who eat fish regularly are less likely to suffer from depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial when fighting depression and can increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medication.

Supports joint health

The body has over 300 joints where bones meet. The cartilage between the bones absorbs any shocks from bumps or jolts. This cartilage begins to deteriorate from aging, obesity or injury. This causes arthritic pain, inflammation in the joints and restricted movement. It can eventually lead to degeneration. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish like rockfish appear to help significantly to reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain. They can decrease stiffness and ease swollen or tender joints. They also help to increase blood flow when exercising.

Improves sleep

Sleep disorders are very common worldwide. Some researchers believe that a lack of vitamin D may be one of the causes. Fish is a very good dietary source of vitamin D. You usually get Vitamin D from being in the sun, but studies suggest that insufficient exposure to the sun means that a good number of people lack vitamin D. Vitamin D is a steroid with hormone-like activity, regulating many functions throughout the body. Apart from causing sleep disorders, a lack of Vitamin D also causes many health problems, such as atherosclerosis.